Police Department

Subject in Custody after Standoff in Perry District

Cpl. Teresa Fuller

Sunday, August 4, 2019 at 11:43 a.m.

After a more than three hour long standoff, Jeremy Barkus (39), was taken into custody for 1^st Degree Assault Domestic Violence, Unlawful Imprisonment Domestic Violence, and 2^nd Degree Arson, as well as unrelated warrants for 3^rd Degree Assault and 3^rd Degree Malicious Mischief. Officers responded to the home in the 1600 block of east 8^th after Barkus assaulted a family member with a knife. That family member was treated and released and no one else was injured during the incident.

This morning, August 4, 2019, just after 6:30 a.m., officers responded to the report of a family member attacked by a male with a knife in the 1600 block of east 8^th. The family member was initially unable to leave the home because of Barkus’ actions, but was eventually able to distract him and leave. When police arrived, Barkus, reportedly still armed with the knife, refused to come out. Because he was the only one left in the home, the decision was made to call in extra resources to help ensure the safe and peaceful resolution of this incident.

SWAT, Hostage Negotiators, K9 Officers, the Explosives Disposal Unit, Spokane Fire Department, and AMR were all called to the scene. These resources are often utilized to ensure the safety of not only the surrounding neighborhood and responding officers, but of the suspect as well.

Just before 10:30 a.m., after SWAT officers made entry into the home, Barkus gave up peaceably and was taken into custody without further incident. While inside the home, Barkus set fire to his bed, filling the residence with smoke. Officers had to call the fire department to the home to help clear smoke out and provide respirators so officers could safely clear the inside.

SPD realizes this is not exactly the way most people want to be awakened on a Sunday, however, we very much appreciate the patience of the neighborhood impacted by the significance of the response this morning.

Barkus will have his first court appearance Monday at 1:30 p.m.

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